The use and impact of visual electromagnetics software in the classroom

Tutorials in the form of HyperCard Stacks have been prepared for electrostatics, electrodynamics, AC circuits, and radiation. These tutorials provide a basic visual introduction to the topics by using static maps of the fields and potentials, as well as animated sequences of field maps, and tie the visual maps of the fields to the mathematics and the basic physical laws by using animated equations in which the individual components of the equation are identified on the picture and moved into place in a specified equation. This animation of the derivations helps the student to understand that an equation is not just a formula that gives the answer, but is a description of a physical process, and its parts are intimately linked to that process. The purpose of a tutorial is to provide a simple model that will allow the student to interpret more complicated processes. The software is described, and attention is given to student use of the software and the impact of the software on student performance.<>